Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Race Heats Up: Regalado vs. Zenteno
Focus Keyword: Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Election
As the Miami-Dade County gears up for a significant change in its Property Appraiser’s Office, current appraiser Pedro Garcia is set to step down after a decade-long tenure. This opening has attracted two prominent candidates: former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and seasoned property appraiser Marisol Zenteno.
The Candidates: Experience and Vision
Tomás Regalado
- Background: At 76 years old, the former broadcast journalist has two decades of experience in Miami city government. Notably, Regalado has made headlines by advocating for proactive measures against climate change, especially concerning sea-level rise.
- Campaign Focus:
- Affordability: Regalado emphasizes the need for increased exemptions for seniors, veterans, and low-income families.
- Fraud Prevention: He pledges to combat fraud related to mortgage, deed, and homestead exemptions.
- Climate Considerations: Regalado plans to integrate considerations of climate change into property assessments.
“We must ensure that the Property Appraiser’s Office is not only assessing values but also considering the future impact of climate change,” Regalado stated.
Marisol Zenteno
- Background: A 57-year-old appraiser with nearly 10 years of experience working under Garcia, Zenteno previously attempted to unseat him in 2020. Her familiarity with the intricacies of property assessment is an asset in this race.
- Campaign Focus:
- Transparency and Efficiency: Zenteno aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the Property Appraiser’s Office.
- Actionable Goals: Instead of focusing on larger legislative changes, she prioritizes improving internal operations to ensure better service to the community.
“I want to bring a fresh perspective to the Property Appraiser’s Office, focusing on immediate improvements rather than waiting for legislative action,” Zenteno mentioned in a recent interview.
Current Landscape: Property Values and Economic Pressures
The election comes at a critical time when Miami-Dade County is grappling with skyrocketing property values, taxes, and rising insurance costs. Despite various state and local initiatives, affordability remains a pressing concern for residents.
Key Statistics
- Property Taxes: As a primary revenue source, property taxes account for approximately 37% of Miami-Dade’s nearly $3 billion budget for FY 2024-25, up from $2 billion in 2019-2020.
Campaign Financing: Who Has the Edge?
In the race for campaign contributions, Regalado significantly outpaces Zenteno. As of early October, he has raised over $439,000 through his campaign account and political committee, Proven Leadership for Miami, maintaining a balance of about $310,000 ahead of the election.
In contrast, Zenteno reported approximately $97,000 in fundraising, with around $40,000 remaining by October 5. Most of her support has come from personal contributions, while Regalado enjoys backing from major developers such as the Related Group and Melo Group.
Endorsements
-
Tomás Regalado:
- Backed by the South Florida Police Benevolent Association
- Endorsed by various firefighter and police organizations.
- Marisol Zenteno:
- Support from Miami Realtors PAC and other local unions.
- Endorsements from notable politicians like Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones.
“Endorsements from community organizations and local leaders show the diverse support I have in this race,” Zenteno stated.
Upcoming Election
The General Election is set for November 5, and both candidates are intensifying their efforts to engage voters. With the future of Miami-Dade’s property assessments on the line, the choice will shape the community’s economic landscape for years to come.
For more insights and ongoing updates about the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Election, visit Miami-Dade County’s official site and stay informed.
By examining their platforms, public support, and fundraising capabilities, voters can make an informed decision in this pivotal election.